Challenge

Following a competitive tender process, Sutcliffe Play was awarded the contract to design and install a new inclusive playground for St Ives Town Council within an established residential housing estate.

Named after the road it sits on, the Knights Way playground needed to cater for toddlers to teenagers and provide equal play opportunities for all abilities in robust and durable materials to reduce future maintenance costs. The Council placed high importance on the new play area being truly inclusive and accessible with the introduction of continuous flush surfaces and new wide paths.

Work undertaken

Following site visits and gaining an understanding of the environment that the new play area will endure, Sutcliffe Play's design was created to fit with the environment and meet the needs of the heavy use from a wide range of ages. The area is designed into zones, allowing for natural separation and ensuring users of all ages and abilities are provided for.

Using inspiration from the road name, Sutcliffe Play included several pieces of medieval-themed playground equipment to create an imaginative play area set against the natural backdrop of striking mature trees. With over 70 play opportunities on 15 pieces of equipment and thermoplastic floor graphics, the playground is packed with exciting play equipment to allow children to learn and develop, whilst being active and having fun.

Sutcliffe Play's themed Drawbridge and Fort Knight multiplay units are the focal point of the playground, alongside Denzel the friendly dragon springie to engage children in educational, social, imaginative, and physical play.

A large group rope swing and trim trail positioned through the trees, create an extra element of adventure as children travel through the playground.

Equipment used

  • Drawbridge multiplay unit

  • Fort Knight climbing frame

  • Cobra Swing

  • Tangle Trail 3

  • 2-bay swing with two bumper seats and one nest seat

  • 8m-high swing with two pod seats

  • Dice Spin Panel

  • 4-way seesaw

  • Denzel Dragon springie

  • Inclusive roundabout with seat and scooter

  • Bench

  • Bin

Outcome

Knights Way playground has been designed to inspire children’s imaginations whilst engaging them in physical activity. The robust, low-maintenance equipment will make the playground easier to manage for St Ives Town Council as the playground matures, enabling the local community to enjoy it for many years.

Testimonial

“We’re delighted with the Knights Way playground, as is the local community. It was a pleasure to work with the team at Sutcliffe Play, who project managed the entire process for us and fully understood our needs in meeting the brief. The new playground has already proven very popular and it’s a joy to watch local families come together to enjoy it.”
– St Ives Town Council